Nicholas Sparks tries to make his " romance" novel a little bit of a suspense and adds fight sequences, is this suppose to make it better? .......... nope. Julianne Hough plays a woman who is trying to get away from her domestic violence past trying to get away from her crazy husband, moves to a small town then finds a guy how is a widow father of two children, then they both fall inNicholas Sparks tries to make his " romance" novel a little bit of a suspense and adds fight sequences, is this suppose to make it better? .......... nope. Julianne Hough plays a woman who is trying to get away from her domestic violence past trying to get away from her crazy husband, moves to a small town then finds a guy how is a widow father of two children, then they both fall in love! but then her husband who isn't dead is a cop trying to find her.This movie lacks action and its fight sequences sucks-yes i get it this movie is a romance/drama movie but apparently Sparks is trying bring a little murder/action into his book and into this movie; Director Lasse Hallström the director of Chocolat and Sparks' previous adaptation Dear John apparently wasting his talents is back for more of Sparks' story, Hallstrom is apparently using his visions in a Nicholas Sparks' tradition oh yeah BOO! this guy can't even direct a fight scene or any action sequence two fromulas which this movie terrible The Writer: Nicholas Sparks The Director: Hallastrom lacking vision and for writer sparks is he doesn't know to make action well for guy who does to many romance novels you expect he would of failed. This movie apparently has a little bit of " romantic cliche". cliche number 1: Star crossed lovers, yes and there is a woman non stops complains about her love life when there litterally is the perfect man in front of her. Cliche #2 " do you want to go canoeing with me ? cliche." yes there is the annoying cliche i can't take in sparks' movies the boy asks the girl do you want to go canoeing with me girl: sure. meanwhile they have a good time, then when their done they kiss after the kiss there is ......... the rain cliche omg! i can't stand that haven't we have seen this cliche? oh yeah we saw this in the **** 'The Notebook' then they laugh then have sex. I can't take cliche's anymore. Nicholas Sparks yes the man is a good author its just can't we have a movie Sparks or his dumb screenwriters ruin it with his cliche's stop with that! please. Grade C- Yes! the movie does have to many romantic cliche's but the ending was surprising, Finally Sparks did something different with his movie and the book. but the romance was creative the actors were ok.…Expand

At this point, you know what to expect. Seriously, each movie based on a Nicholas Sparks book is so unoriginal, even the books themselves have turned repetitive. Another thing I've noticed is that they always come out this time of year. Valentine's Day is supposed to be a time to share love between couples, not give the one you love an excuse to end the relationship.

A somewhat awkward romance flick, but it's sweet. Dialog is clumsy at times, side-characters aren't developed, and the more tense action moments near the end of the film fall flat. Still it is romantic and touching even though some moments come across as goofy and weird. If you're looking for a movie to watch with your significant other this is a pretty good choice. It may not always hitA somewhat awkward romance flick, but it's sweet. Dialog is clumsy at times, side-characters aren't developed, and the more tense action moments near the end of the film fall flat. Still it is romantic and touching even though some moments come across as goofy and weird. If you're looking for a movie to watch with your significant other this is a pretty good choice. It may not always hit the mark but when it does it's easy to recommend to fans of this genre. Even as someone who doesn't really have a taste for this kind of thing I found it enjoyable.…Expand

This movie was actually good, it combines a comedy with a thriller and it works quite well. The ending was surprising i did not expect it. This romantic movie takes a risk by adding thriller elements to it and it pays off.

Ok, another film based on a Nicholas Sparks novel, Safe Haven isn't perfect, have some good ideas, wich are not fully exploited, but in the development some of these ideas has a great end, the performances are not perfect. but are good, Julianne Hough is for much the best of the movie, and finally the script, is acceptable. Safe Haven is a good movie, and it's better than the NicholasOk, another film based on a Nicholas Sparks novel, Safe Haven isn't perfect, have some good ideas, wich are not fully exploited, but in the development some of these ideas has a great end, the performances are not perfect. but are good, Julianne Hough is for much the best of the movie, and finally the script, is acceptable. Safe Haven is a good movie, and it's better than the Nicholas Sparks movie of the last year (The Lucky One).…Expand

"Safe Haven" attempts to pull heartstrings using every trick in the great book of cliches. What we got here is a plot from paperback thriller mixed with storyline out of cheap romantic novel. The actors keep the predictable end result from falling flat on its face, yet the good moments are very few and much in between.

Safe Haven was exactly what I expected. It was a good movie with an interesting plot, sad parts, and solid acting. Unfortunately it wasn't as good as Nicholas Sparks' best film, The Notebook. Julianne Hough is beautiful and a triple threat but her acting, while capable, wasn't as strong as Rachel McAdams. Josh Duhamel did a solid job opposite of Hough and seems to have more potential as aSafe Haven was exactly what I expected. It was a good movie with an interesting plot, sad parts, and solid acting. Unfortunately it wasn't as good as Nicholas Sparks' best film, The Notebook. Julianne Hough is beautiful and a triple threat but her acting, while capable, wasn't as strong as Rachel McAdams. Josh Duhamel did a solid job opposite of Hough and seems to have more potential as a breakout star. As for the film, the plot was interesting but it dragged quite a bit and had some areas that were just silly. Honestly, the best thing about this movie was the subtle twist thrown in at the end. It changed the meaning of some of the elements of the film and left you with a better feeling for the movie in general. Overall this was an above-average chick flick but it didn't have enough of the thriller element I was hoping for from some of the trailers. Nonetheless, I'm sure most women will enjoy it and some guys, if they are willing to watch it, will probably enjoy it as well.…Expand

My girls have read the book Safe Haven and told me how wonderful the book is. Since I never seem to have time to read, I decided the next best thing was to watch the movie. I enjoyed the movie but felt that it was another version of Sleeping With The Enemy but not as suspenseful. I felt that the story line progressed too quickly at times and more background information could be given.My girls have read the book Safe Haven and told me how wonderful the book is. Since I never seem to have time to read, I decided the next best thing was to watch the movie. I enjoyed the movie but felt that it was another version of Sleeping With The Enemy but not as suspenseful. I felt that the story line progressed too quickly at times and more background information could be given. I also felt the love story took off relatively fast in the movie which seemed unrealistic to me considering the information that was given about each character. With this being said I still enjoyed the movie and look forward to a time when I might have time to read the book!…Expand

This movie was very disappointing. There was little to complain about from Hough or Duhamel, but the story lacked much to be desired. It was simply unrealistic and shallow. Girl escapes an abusive relationship, finds her one true love within weeks, he promises to solve all of her problems, she takes the place of the mother who died of cancer and together they triumph over the past andThis movie was very disappointing. There was little to complain about from Hough or Duhamel, but the story lacked much to be desired. It was simply unrealistic and shallow. Girl escapes an abusive relationship, finds her one true love within weeks, he promises to solve all of her problems, she takes the place of the mother who died of cancer and together they triumph over the past and everybody is able to move on without a scar on any of them.... Really? Sweet, yes, but what happened to creating stories about people, not ideals?…Expand

I did watch this on valentines day and it was ok. Just okay because it started off just like a typical love movie and end like they all do. What trally saved this movie from being a complete fail was definetly the ending. I didnt expect it to end that way.

Movie is not that and bad also not that good.Certainly not worth to go to Cinema or buy a Blue ray.Anyhow movie has decent sound tracks at right scenes also camera work is excellent.Story id bit more of same to Lucky one.

A Nicholas Sparks adaptation unlike most of the others in that it can be at least at times a powerful film with actual characters and you know, purpose. When Katie (Julianne Hough) flees her hometown and takes refuge from her past in Southport she meets single father Alex (Josh Duhamel) and begins a passionate relationship while her past begins to catch up to her in the form of detectiveA Nicholas Sparks adaptation unlike most of the others in that it can be at least at times a powerful film with actual characters and you know, purpose. When Katie (Julianne Hough) flees her hometown and takes refuge from her past in Southport she meets single father Alex (Josh Duhamel) and begins a passionate relationship while her past begins to catch up to her in the form of detective Tierney (David Lyons). Safe Haven is a decent love story that doesn't feel like the usual Nicholas Sparks drivel save for a final twist that almost derails the whole film. The film counts on Hough and she delivers a touching but hardened performance as a woman who has been through a brutal ordeal yet survived. Her isolation, while short lived is the main problem with the film thriving through character interaction, the time she spends alone drags and because of her secrets she prefers seclusion. Duhamel seems unsure in the role but has good chemistry with Hough so the overall feel is still there. The side characters are paper thin and take up valuable minutes of the film extending a picture with very little story. That's not to say its a simple film, in fact it tries to avoid being generic and formulaic although it only really avoids the latter. The film lacks anything special to make it unique so it comes across as ordinary. The director, having adapted Sparks' Dear John knows how to handle the melodrama rife in Sparks' books and in a way its what makes Safe Haven so light and easy to watch but it also means a film about trust, betrayal, death and fear is about as dark as an episode of the Tellytubbies. The film is so sweet at times its sickly and becomes nauseating. Overall the film is terrific in handling the characters and how they interact but it struggles and ultimately fails to surprise or impress upon the viewer any kind of originality.…Expand

This movie was everything I wanted on a Friday night after a busy day at work. It was another one of Nicholas Sparks' masterpieces that kept me enthralled the whole way through. I was kept on my feet the whole way through and the whole, 'Jo' storyline and ending was really something I didn't expect. Safe Haven is certainly a movie you should see. I give it a 10. Also, this website keepsThis movie was everything I wanted on a Friday night after a busy day at work. It was another one of Nicholas Sparks' masterpieces that kept me enthralled the whole way through. I was kept on my feet the whole way through and the whole, 'Jo' storyline and ending was really something I didn't expect. Safe Haven is certainly a movie you should see. I give it a 10. Also, this website keeps changing my score from 10 to a 9.…Expand

Why do people still make movies off of Nicholas Sparks books? I just don't understand. But of all the Nicholas Sparks books, this one was the most ridiculous. I mean, Trying to combine romance with thrills, makes this movie fail miserably. No wonder valentines day movies suck soo bad.

This movie is an opportunity to get in touch and feel your emotions and there are many times in the movie to do just that because it is so cleverly put together. The ratings should be much higher than they are. The movie is all about the human interactions that will cause you to feel what it is like to be the characters if you were in the same situations as they were in. I am a male and iThis movie is an opportunity to get in touch and feel your emotions and there are many times in the movie to do just that because it is so cleverly put together. The ratings should be much higher than they are. The movie is all about the human interactions that will cause you to feel what it is like to be the characters if you were in the same situations as they were in. I am a male and i cried at times, good thing the theater was almost empty and nobody saw me.…Expand

I usually do not like romance movies, but this one provided a good mix between action and romance. I thought the story line was very good and kept me guessing the whole time. I do not understand why the ratings are so bad, if your not just looking for love, but for some action with it, I would definitely suggest this movie.

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view.
This movie is an okay romance movie that suffers from the crazy plot twists and only a few good actors. Julianne Hough is alright and Josh Duhamel does better here then in Transformers but the ending just ruined it. Its a good movie if u like romantic movies.…Expand

Safe Haven? More of crap haven. Unfortunately, this movie falls flat for me. There is just a bland love story, could you even call it love??? Jesus man, come on. The thriller part of it had no 'umph' feeling in it to boost the movie at. So I decided to say: F*ck it. A poor movie that falls flat.

The definition of haven is "a place of safety", so we have here a safe place of safety. This means that the girl is really really safe in the arms of her guy...which is good. But there are some tense moments before that is confirmed! Yes, all very predictable, but what exactly is wrong with that?

I almost missed a lovely movie because of the pitiful reviews. The theatre audience even clapped at the end. How many times do you witness that? I go to the movies all the time and rarely see that. The characters are basically nice people you will like with one exception. That's a relief in comparison to so many movies out there now.

I am amazed how wrong most critics are at rating movies these days. Have they become so shallow and devoid of common sense? If you are a movie buff that likes a great family movie,great story, unusual setting, romance, drama, thriller with a surprise ending go see it, you will not regret it.

It being Valentine’s Day weekend Hollywood, naturally, offers a romantic Nicholas Sparks film “Safe Haven” based on one of his many books.. In most films logic has to be left at the door but with this one also leave your brains there.

The opening scene shows Katie (Julianne Hough) running from what could be a murder scene. In the fastest time ever in a film she cuts and dyes her hair,It being Valentine’s Day weekend Hollywood, naturally, offers a romantic Nicholas Sparks film “Safe Haven” based on one of his many books.. In most films logic has to be left at the door but with this one also leave your brains there.

The opening scene shows Katie (Julianne Hough) running from what could be a murder scene. In the fastest time ever in a film she cuts and dyes her hair, gets on a bus going to Atlanta, even though the police are looking for her, gets off in a small town and within minutes gets a job, rents a cabin, meets a guy Alex (Josh Duhamel) who lost his wife 2 years previously to cancer and is bringing up their two kids Lexi (Mimi Kirkland) who was too young to really remember her and Josh (Noah Lomax) who misses her and, by the way, Alex gives Katie a bike in the middle of the night since she doesn’t have any transportation, though she really doesn’t need it--remember this is a small town--and meets Jo, her neighbor who lives down the way. Whew! We haven’t even gotten into the main thrust of the story.

There isn’t a cliche that the director, Lasse Hallstrom, or the screenwriters, Dana Stevens and Gage Lansky, don’t love and feel they have to put up on the screen. We haven’t even mentioned fireworks filling the sky, children in jeopardy, homes on fire, a policeman who misuses his power, canoe rides, lovers getting caught in the rain not to forget the very unbelievable ending though the lovers and kids will live happily ever after as this is a Hollywood/ Nicholas Sparks movie. There is a thriller aspect added to the love story but adds nothing to the film.

Josh Duhamel goes through the 5 o’clock shadow stage here and there while Julianne Hough looks better as a blonde than a brunette but with either color there is very little chemistry between the leads. Mimi Kirkland and Noah Lomax do a good job while most of the supporting cast blend into the wood.

While you can’t say Hallstrom does a bad job there are one too many poorly edited scenes and as a director he really doesn’t bring anything special to the film.

The star of the movie is really the small town of Southport, North Carolina, which is movie perfect.

Though “Safe Haven” is being touted as a romantic film the best romantic film available on the big screen today is “Amour” that shows what love really is all about.…Expand